Piassaba
Leopoldinia piassaba
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A small palm. It grows 5 m high. It has masses of long hanging brown fibres. The trunk is 12 cm wide but has 80 cm of fibres. The leaves are 4-5 m long. The leaflets are regularly and widely spaced. They are stiff and sword shaped. They are light green and 60-100 cm long. They have wavy edges. The fruit are kidney shaped and flattened. They are edible.
There are 3 Leopoldinia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant suiting wet climates. They grow along rivers and in lowlands that are seasonally flooded. It grows in the shade.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, South America, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The fruit are used for drinks. They are also used for making an alcoholic beverage. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Chiquechique, Chiquichiqui, Fibra, Maarama, Marama, Palma piassava, Piassaba, Piassaba-amazonica